A first population trend analysis of Critically Endangered Bornean orangutans reveals that despite decades of conservation work, the species is declining. This is the first study to bring together data from a combination of different survey methods, including helicopter surveys, traditional ground surveys, and interviews with local communities and involved over 50 Indonesian, Malaysian and international researchers.  Led by Dr Truly Santika the research team has revealed that the species is declining rapidly – at a rate of 25 per cent over the past 10 years. The results led the IUCN to downgrade the species to critically endangered and is informing ongoing conservation efforts for the species across its range. Read more

The study is published in Nature Scientific Reports (DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-04435-9).